Rep. Jennifer Conlin

Maddy summaryHB 4760 requires Michigan law enforcement officers to wear visible identification (showing their name or badge number and agency) and not wear masks or disguises during public interactions while performing duties. Exceptions allow masks for health protection (e.g., airborne diseases), safety from toxins, or physical protection during high-risk incidents like shootouts. The law applies to all state and federal officers in Michigan during public engagements, with violations punishable as misdemeanors (up to 90 days in jail or $1,000 fine). It does not affect covert operations or officers wearing protective gear for legitimate safety reasons.

Maddy summaryHB 4759 encourages public employers (like state agencies, cities, schools, and community colleges) to use an expedited hiring process for dislocated federal employees who are referred through the state's reemployment services program. The bill requires public employers receiving such referrals to prioritize these candidates, though it does not mandate hiring. Key provisions include defining "public employer" broadly and specifying that this process must follow existing constitutional hiring rules for state positions. It does not override other laws but depends on another bill (HB 4758) being enacted first. The measure directly affects dislocated federal workers seeking new jobs and public employers hiring for open positions.

Maddy summaryHB 4732 increases penalties for harming police and search-and-rescue dogs or horses used in law enforcement. It makes intentionally killing or causing serious physical harm to these animals a felony (up to 5 years in prison or $10,000 fine), while lesser harm or interference during duties is a misdemeanor (up to 1 year or $5,000 fine), or a felony if committed during another crime. The law applies specifically to animals trained and deployed by Michigan law enforcement agencies for police or search-and-rescue operations. It does not affect other animals or alter existing penalties for unrelated offenses.

Maddy summaryHB 4712 creates a new program through which the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs will reimburse eligible Michigan National Guard members for premiums paid toward Tricare Reserve Select or Tricare Dental coverage. The program allows the department to award grants to qualifying members who apply using a department-provided form, covering premiums for these specific health plans. It directly affects Guard members who are not on active duty and lack other employer or private health insurance. The bill establishes the framework for administering these reimbursements but does not specify funding amounts or application deadlines.

Maddy summaryHB 4675 requires Michigan's education department to develop and share a list of optional cursive handwriting instruction programs for public schools by June 2027. Starting in the 2026-2027 or 2027-2028 school year, school districts and public school academies are encouraged - but not required - to incorporate one of these model programs into their curriculum. The bill aims to support schools in meeting existing credit requirements under Michigan’s merit standards by offering cursive instruction as a voluntary option. It directly affects Michigan public schools by providing resources for optional handwriting education, without mandating changes to current standards.

Maddy summaryHR 138 is a symbolic resolution introduced by Michigan House representatives to declare June 2025 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month in the state. It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes the historical significance of LGBTQ+ rights movements, including the Stonewall Riots and key legal victories like Obergefell and Bostock. The resolution aims to affirm Michigan's support for LGBTQ+ communities and their contributions to the state's cultural and economic vitality. This declaration directly affects all Michiganders by officially honoring Pride Month through state-level recognition.

Maddy summaryHB 4661 creates a grant program to help Michigan law enforcement agencies modernize communication with crime victims using text messages, emails, and multilingual support. It requires agencies to provide automated updates (like arrest notifications or case status changes) without requiring victims to download apps or create accounts. The bill establishes a fund to distribute grant money to state/local agencies, law enforcement, or local governments that meet specific standards for transparent, efficient communication. These standards include real-time notifications, community feedback tools, and multilingual messaging options accessible through simple email or text. The law directly affects crime victims receiving updates and agencies managing victim communication systems.

Maddy summaryHB 4662 allows Michigan courts, law enforcement, and other agencies to send crime victim notices (like case updates) via email or text message, in addition to traditional mail, when victims consent and provide contact details. Agencies must follow state communication standards and cannot use electronic notices if a victim has opted out. This update to the Crime Victim's Rights Act modernizes notification methods while ensuring victims retain full control over how they receive information. It directly affects crime victims in Michigan whose cases involve these notification processes.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution (HR 132) urges the federal government to reinstate the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), which was suspended indefinitely by President Trump's January 2025 executive order. It directly affects refugees currently blocked from entering the U.S. due to the suspension, citing court challenges and a 2024 report noting refugees undergo the most rigorous screening of any immigrant group. The resolution does not create new law but formally requests federal action to resume refugee admissions. It was introduced on June 12, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Government Operations.

Maddy summaryHB 4604 updates Michigan's law recognizing out-of-state marriages to use gender-neutral language, removing the current reference to "a man and a woman." It repeals the provision that deemed same-sex marriages invalid under Michigan law for recognition purposes. The bill would ensure marriages legally performed in other states - regardless of the spouses' gender - are recognized as valid in Michigan. However, this change is conditional: it only takes effect if the related constitutional amendment (HJR F'25) is approved by voters. This affects how Michigan law treats marriages solemnized in other states, not Michigan's own marriage eligibility rules.